Desaru a true place for vacation

DESARU, located on the eastern tip of the Malay Peninsula, has clean sandy white beaches and it is popular with tourists as well as locals. The 25km long stretch of unspoiled beach framed by the South China Sea on one side and lush tropical forest on the other, is home to many hotels and resorts ready to take in new guests.

Activitites in Desaru

In Desaru, activities are largely available and include golfing, horseback riding, tennis, canoeing, swimming, boating, fishing, snorkeling, jungle trekking, and you can even enjoy yourselves in the local theme park.



Snorkeling is a good option, but don't expect banks of colorful fishes and wonderful sea creatures. Scuba diving here is out of the question, although some of the resorts do arrange trips out to Johor's northern islands.


One thing you can definitely try is surfing. If wind is good, the waves are quite OK, and especially the lack of jellyfish and sharks makes it an attractive location. During December, January and first half of February (monsoon season), the waves are almost constantly high, but do expect the water to be a little cold. There is a company that rents surf boards for 20 RM/h and provides surf lessons for 100 RM. The same company rents jetskis.

Excursions to see the fireflies (api-api) in the Sungei Lebam river are very popular. While theoretically possible to arrange yourself, this would require bumping about dirt roads to find the dock and then cruising around a pitch-black jungle river, so it's much easier to join one of the hotel excursions. The best time to go is after rain on a new moon.

Getting to Desaru



By Land

Desaru Beach is easily accessible from Singapore and the northern areas by road via Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia.

Approximate distance and traveling time when driving to Desaru:

* from Johor Bahru: 100 km, 1h 30min
* from Kuala Lumpur: 436 km, 4hrs 15min
* from Singapore: 125 km, 2hrs 15min

Public transport is available from Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi and Tanjung Belungkor to Desaru, but do check schedules as buses tend to be few and far between.

By Sea

Travel by ferry from Changi Point, Singapore to Tanjong Belungkor, Malaysia. The ferry operates four times a day and has capacity for 400 passengers and 70 cars on its car deck.


In Desaru, Johor, you don't have to worry about 'a place to stay' and 'where to eat'...as there are plenty to choose from and within your budget. So, worries not but 100% relax and enjoy.....

The beauty of Aur Island, Malaysia

Check out Pulau Aur (Aur Island Island) Malaysia

Offshore, 65km east of Mersing, Pulau Aur, and the three smaller islands of Pulau Dayang, Pulau Lang and Pulau Pinang, together with Pulau Pemanggil which is 15km northwest of Pulau Aur, make up the rest of the Johor Marine Park. Most of the rocky islands are well forested and have isolated coconut plantations. With deep, clear water, healthy corals and regular encounters with large pelagic species, these islands have the potential to become international diving locations.

Several underwater Pinnacles on the east side of Pulau Aur rise 30m from the sea floor to within 10m of the surface with good hard coral growth including undamaged table corals (Acropora Sp.). 'Rayner's Rock' northeast of Pulau Dayang, is a similar 33m high, submerged rock where there are impressive Boulder Corals (Porites Sp.), Whale Sharks have been seen and delightful encounters with large Manta Rays (Manta birostris) are common.

It is surprising to see extraordinarily large numbers of juvenile fish this far offshore, many are so different in shape and markings from their adults that they can be mistaken for different species.

When fish are ready to breed, many strategies have evolved to ensure that only the strongest males and females mate. In some species, the presence of Alpha (larger) females prevent smaller fish becoming females. With many other species males fight to establish domination. With so many fish of similar shapes living in close proximity on crowded reefs it would be a waste of energy if adults picked unnecessary fights with juveniles. One way to avoid this happening is for juveniles to be a completely different colour, pattern or shape from mature adults.

ATTRACTIONS:

Beaches:
- Batu Kembar, Pulau Aur
- Pasir Putih, Pulau Dayang
- Teluk Ba'ai, Pulau Aur
- Teluk Berhala, Pulau Aur

Resorts:
- Dayang Blues Resort, Pulau Dayang
- Diver's Lodge, Pulau Aur
- Bluewater Resort, Pulau Aur
- Atlantis Bay Resort, Pulau Aur

Island trails:
- Batu Berhala
- Teluk Ba'ai to Teluk Sebukang

Getting there

From Singapore Via Public Transport
There are a few buses that run to Mersing from Singapore on a daily basis. The easiest way is Transnasional direct from Singapore to Mersing: departure from the junction of Kallang Bahru and Lavender Street at 9am, 10am and 10pm.

From Singapore Via Private Transport
Drive through Johor Bahru until you reach Kota Tinggi, approximately an hour from JB. Mersing's jetty is located at Mersing town, an hour's drive further from Kota Tinggi. You may park your car at a secure parking space at Mersing Town. There are lots of road signs along the way that will help you get to Mersing, and past complaints about the quality of the roads have been addressed with the resurfacing and widening of the highway

From Kuala Lumpur Via Public Transport
You can get to the town of Mersing from KL by bus. Catch a Transnasional bus from Puduraya bus station. They leave Puduraya bus station three times per day, at 11.00 am, 10.30 pm and 11.00 pm. Travel time is approximately 5 hours.

From Kuala Lumpur Via Private Transport
Take the north/south highway from KL, and exit at Air Hitam, about two hours' drive away. From there, drive to Kluang, then Kahang, and finally to Mersing Town, a journey that should take about an hour and a half. You can park your car at a secure parking space at Mersing Town.

Leisurely Days Under The Sun...Tioman Island

The beauty of Malaysian Island....Tioman Island

About 36 nautical mile off Malaysia's east coast lies Pulau Tioman, or Tioman Island a tear-shape paradise. An enduring and tranquil island, Tioman Island boasts miles and miles of white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, charming villages and friendly people. Its crystal clear water promise spectacular marine life and colourful coral gardens. The striking profile of the twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut provides a markable landmark to this beautiful island reputed to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic islands in the world.

This island is an idyllic spot for leisurely days under the sun. Swim in its emerald waters, enjoy a stroll by the beach or be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. There are several villages scattered around the coastline, the larger ones being Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara.

Each village offers a different and unique atmosphere. Tioman's verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys. Its flora and fauna have been featured in National Geographic's documentaries.

The island's granite formations make for excellent rock-climbing expeditions. The more adventurous can attempt to scale the sheer cliff face of the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut or Dragons Horns. Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort offers a luxurious stay amidst a backdrop of rolling hills and scenic views.

Key Tips
If you like hiking, you should try the beautiful cross-island hike from the village of Tekek on the west to Juara on the east. It can be done in an easy day and takes in both jungle and beach views of both sides of Tioman.

Getting there...

By Road
Access the Tebrau Highway from Johor Bahru and go to Mersing via Kota Tinggi. Access the Karak Highway from Kuala Lumpur through Temerloh, Kuantan, Pekan, Kuala Rompin,Tanjung Gemuk to Mersing. Alternatively take the PLUS Highway from Kuala Lumpur via Seremban, Bahau, Muadzam Shah, Kuala Rompin, Tanjung Gemuk to Mersing.

By Public Transport
Express buses are available from Singapore at Newton Circus Court and Jalan Sultan Bus Station. From Kuala Lumpur, buses and taxis are available at Puduraya Bus Station. Buses leave at noon and 11.30 pm while taxis leave at any time. Estimated travel time 5-6 hours.

By Sea
Tioman is accessible by boat from Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and Mersing in Johor. Journey time is approximately 1.5 hours. It can also be reached by a 4-hour ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore.

By Air
Berjaya Air operates daily direct 45-minute flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.